2021 in Review
In 2021, Vital Life worked to innovate and adjust, maneuvering through ongoing pandemic safety measures and pressing ONWARD to return to events that put into action the mission of the Foundation. While some programs remained paused out of caution for seniors and the health care staff who care for them, we’re excited to report that several that had been paused in 2020 came back in a big way in 2021.
2021 Events & Programs
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Cupid Crew
By delivering roses on Valentine’s Day to residents in senior care facilities through the Cupid Crew program, Vital Life partners with Wish of a Lifetime to help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. Despite the continuing challenges of 2021, we were able to actually double the number of flowers and triple the locations involved from the previous year, delivering 6,000 roses to 40 different communities.
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Spirit of '45
A treasured tradition, Spirit of ’45 is an All-American-style summer community event honoring senior veterans and celebrating the end of World War II. Paused in 2020, it returned in 2021 with a special honor given specifically to those who served in that conflict. Seniors and staff alike were thrilled to see each of these veterans bravely climb into a World War II-era Boeing Stearman biplane and take a ride they won’t forget.
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Backpack to School
Backpack to School aims to provide essential school supplies to the children (grades K-6) of every senior care staff member working on Marquis campuses and partner facilities. Paused in 2020 due to the pandemic, Vital Life was excited to offer this program again in 2021, providing 1,415 backpacks to senior care staff members in 51 communities.
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Charitable Partner Support
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Wish of a Lifetime
Wish of a Lifetime fosters respect and appreciation for deserving seniors by helping them fulfill their life-enriching Wishes. In 2021, Vital Life and Wish of a Lifetime partnered again to source and grant wishes for seniors. A seniors wish to see a baseball game with his son was granted after more than a year of separation; they celebrated being back together and their shared love of the game. Click here to read more.
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Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House is a haven that provides families of ill children all the comforts of home, plus the compassion and hospitality of staff, volunteers, and other families — all just steps away from the hospital. Vital Life and senior care facilities teamed up to support those who stayed in the Ronald McDonald Houses over the holidays by donating and delivering hundreds of toys. The families were able to ‘shop’ for gifts for everyone in their household, reducing stress and bringing joy over the holiday season.
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2021 Events & Programs
Cupid Crew
By delivering roses on Valentine’s Day to residents in senior care facilities through the Cupid Crew program, Vital Life partners with Wish of a Lifetime to help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. Despite the continuing challenges of 2021, we were able to actually double the number of flowers and triple the locations involved from the previous year, delivering 6,000 roses to 40 different communities.
Spirit of '45
A treasured tradition, Spirit of ’45 is an All-American-style summer community event honoring senior veterans and celebrating the end of World War II. Paused in 2020, it returned in 2021 with a special honor given specifically to those who served in that conflict. Seniors and staff alike were thrilled to see each of these veterans bravely climb into a World War II-era Boeing Stearman biplane and take a ride they won’t forget.
Backpack to School
Backpack to School aims to provide essential school supplies to the children (grades K-6) of every senior care staff member working on Marquis campuses and partner facilities. Paused in 2020 due to the pandemic, Vital Life was excited to offer this program again in 2021, providing 1,415 backpacks to senior care staff members in 51 communities.
Charitable Partner Support
Wish of a Lifetime
Wish of a Lifetime fosters respect and appreciation for deserving seniors by helping them fulfill their life-enriching Wishes. In 2021, Vital Life and Wish of a Lifetime partnered again to source and grant wishes for seniors. A senior whose wish to see a baseball game with his son was granted after more than a year of separation; they celebrated being back together and their shared love of the game. Click here to read more.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House is a haven that provides families of ill children all the comforts of home, plus the compassion and hospitality of staff, volunteers, and other families — all just steps away from the hospital. Vital Life and senior care facilities teamed up to support those who stayed in the Ronald McDonald Houses over the holidays by donating and delivering hundreds of toys. The families were able to ‘shop’ for gifts for everyone in their household, reducing stress and bringing joy over the holiday season.
